U.S. Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN) on December 1 introduced the Rental Housing Revitalization Act (H.R. 6468), designed to support the restoration of the nation’s public housing infrastructure, simplify rental assistance programs and expand renters’ housing choices. The proposal provides $25 billion in private funding to support the repairs and renovation of the public’s affordable housing stock, and allows public housing authorities to use mortgage financing to generate the upfront capital needed for these repairs. The bill builds on an earlier proposal made by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is co-sponsored by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Congressman Al Green (D-TX), Congresswoman Donna Edwards (D-MD), and Congressman Jim Himes (D-CT).
NH&RA’s HOPE VI Steering Committee and Policy Leadership Committee are providing feedback to both HUD and Congressman Ellison. If enacted, this legislation would have far reaching implications on both the public housing and Section 8 portfolio.
